Attachable Electro-Active Lens Systems

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods regarding spectacle systems are provided including base lens units and attachable lens units. A spectacle system may include a base lens unit with a first lens, a frame configured for wearing the base lens unit on a user, and a first attachment mechanism. The spectacle system may also include an attachable lens unit with a second lens and a second attachment mechanism configured to join with the first attachment mechanism. A communication mechanism may also be included that is configured to communicate data, instructions and/or electrical power between the base lens unit and the attachable lens unit. Either or both of the first lens and the second lens may include an electro-active lens. The attachable lens unit may include a variety of additional functions such as an electronic display, a camera, an active shuttering lens, and an active polarizing lens, which may also be powered by the base lens unit.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) to provisionalapplication serial number 61/323,406 filed Apr. 13, 2010, the contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter deals generally with the spectacle devicesincluding electro-active lenses. Electro-active lenses can be any lensescapable of adjusting, changing or tuning a provided optical power, orother optical effect, through the application of electricity. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,712,721, U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,203 and U.S. Pat.App. Pub. No. 2009/0256977, each describe exemplary electro-activelenses and spectacles, and are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides systems and methods forelectro-active spectacle systems including, among other features,removable lens units. Aspects of the present invention provideelectro-active lens systems using a base lens system and one or moreattachable lens systems. Aspects of the present invention may alsoprovide electro-active spectacle lenses that can provide the base lenssystem or platform for a user. In embodiments, the electro-active lensbase system may be configured to provide vision correction for a userand may include controlling electronics. Further aspects of the presentinvention may provide one or more additional add-on lens systems thatmay be configured to attach to, and/or detach from, the baseelectro-active lens system. The add-on lens systems may be configured toprovide enhanced electro-active capability for a user and may be poweredand/or controlled by electronics included in the base system.

In embodiments, exemplary spectacle systems may include a base lens unitand an attachable lens unit. At least one of the base lens unit and theattachable lens unit may include an electro-active lens. The base lensunit may include a first lens, a frame configured for wearing the baselens unit on a user, and/or a first attachment mechanism. Attachablelens units may be provided including a second lens and a secondattachment mechanism configured to join with the first attachmentmechanism. A communication mechanism may also be included that isconfigured to communicate at least one of data, instructions andelectrical power between the base lens unit and the attachable lensunit.

In embodiments, the base lens unit may include an electro-active lensand the base lens unit may include an electrical power source for theelectro-active lens. The communication mechanism may also be configuredto provide electrical power from the base lens unit to the attachablelens unit.

In further embodiments, the attachable lens unit may include anelectro-active lens and the communication mechanism may be configured toprovide electrical power from the base lens unit to the attachable lensunit.

In embodiments, the attachable lens unit may include at least one of anelectronic display, a camera, an active shuttering lens, and an activepolarizing lens, and the communication mechanism may be configured toprovide instructions and electrical power from the base lens unit to theattachable lens unit.

In embodiments, the attachable lens unit may include anelectro-chromatic lens, and the communication mechanism may beconfigured to provide electrical power from the base lens unit to theelectro-chromatic lens.

In embodiments, at least one of the base lens unit and the attachablelens unit may be configured to communicate with a remote computersystem, for example via a physical interface and/or wirelesscommunication.

In embodiments, the communication mechanism may include at least one ofa Standard, Mini, and Micro USB plug.

In embodiments, the first attachment mechanism may join with the secondattachment mechanism via a magnet, and the communication mechanism maybe configured to communicate electrical power between the base lens unitand the attachable lens unit via an electrical contact joined by themagnet.

In embodiments, the base lens unit may be configured to provide the userwith at least one of a hearing aid capability and a radio communicationcapability, e.g. wireless two-way network communication, am radio, fmradio, etc.

According to further aspects of the invention, an attachable lens devicemay include an electro-active lens, an attachment mechanism configuredto join the attachable lens device to a base lens unit, and acommunication mechanism configured to communicate at least one of data,instructions and electrical power between the attachable lens device andthe base lens unit.

In embodiments, the communication mechanism of the attachable lensdevice may be configured to receive electrical power from the base lensunit.

In embodiments, the attachable lens device may include at least one ofan electronic display, a camera, an active shuttering lens, an activepolarizing lens, an active magnifying lens, and the communicationmechanism may be configured to receive instructions and electrical powerfrom the base lens unit.

In embodiments, the electro-active lens of the attachable lens devicemay include an electro-chromatic lens, and the communication mechanismmay be configured to receive electrical power from the base lens unit.

In embodiments, the attachable lens device may include a microprocessorconfigured to communicate with a remote computer system. Thecommunication mechanism may include at least one of a Standard, Mini,and Micro USB plug.

In embodiments, the attachment mechanism of the attachable lens devicemay join with the base lens unit via a magnet, and the communicationmechanism may be configured to communicate electrical power between thebase lens unit and the attachable lens device via an electrical contactjoined by the magnet.

In embodiments, the attachable lens device may include a camera, and thecommunication mechanism may be configured to communicate image data fromthe attachable lens device to the base lens unit.

In embodiments, the attachable lens device may include at least one ofan electronic display, a camera, an active shuttering lens, and anactive polarizing lens, and the communication mechanism may beconfigured to receive instructions for the at least one of an electronicdisplay, a camera, an active shuttering lens, and an active polarizinglens from the base lens unit.

According to yet further aspects of the invention, a spectacle framedevice may include a base lens attachment mechanism configured to hold afirst lens, a removable lens attachment mechanism configured toremovably join a removable lens unit including a second lens to thespectacle frame device, and a communication mechanism configured tocommunicate at least one of data, instructions and electrical powerbetween the spectacle frame device and the attachable lens unit.

In embodiments, the spectacle frame device may include an electricalpower source, and the communication mechanism may be configured toprovide electrical power from the spectacle frame device to theattachable lens unit. In embodiments, the first lens of the spectacleframe device may be an electro-active lens powered by the electricalpower source. In embodiments, the second lens removable lens unit may bean electro-active lens powered by the electrical power source.

In embodiments, the spectacle frame device may include a control device,and the communication mechanism may be further configured to provideinstructions from the spectacle frame device to the attachable lensunit. In embodiments, the communication mechanism may be furtherconfigured to receive data from the attachable lens unit.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may beset forth or apparent from consideration of the following detaileddescription, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood thatboth the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and intended to provide further explanationwithout limiting the scope of the invention claimed. The detaileddescription and the specific examples, however, indicate only preferredembodiments of the invention. Various changes and modifications withinthe spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention, are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the detailed description serve to explain the principlesof the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of theinvention in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamentalunderstanding of the invention and various ways in which it may bepracticed. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts aspects of an exemplary spectacle system according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 depicts aspects of an exemplary attachable lens device accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 depicts further aspects of an exemplary spectacle systemaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 depicts aspects of another exemplary spectacle system accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 depicts aspects of another exemplary spectacle system accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is understood that the invention is not limited to the particularmethodology, protocols, etc., described herein, as these may vary as theskilled artisan will recognize. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of theinvention. It also is be noted that as used herein and in the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the pluralreference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which the invention pertains. The embodiments of theinvention and the various features and advantageous details thereof areexplained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments andexamples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings and detailed in the following description. It should be notedthat the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawnto scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with otherembodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if notexplicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components andprocessing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscurethe embodiments of the invention. The examples used herein are intendedmerely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention maybe practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practicethe embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the examples andembodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicablelaw. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals referencesimilar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

As discussed herein, and in the incorporated references, electro-activelenses may include one or more electro-active layers, zones and/orregions. An “electro-active zone” can include or be included in anelectro-active structure, layer, and/or region. An “electro-activeregion” can be a portion and/or the entirety of an electro-active layer.An electro-active region can be adjacent to another electro-activeregion. An electro-active region can be attached to anotherelectro-active region, either directly, or indirectly with, for example,an insulator between each electro-active region. An electro-active layercan be attached to another electro-active layer, either directly, orindirectly with, for example, an insulator between each electro-activelayer. “Attaching” can include bonding, depositing, adhering, and otherwell-known attachment methods.

A “controller” can include or be included in a processor, amicroprocessor, an integrated circuit, an IC, a computer chip, and/or achip. A “refractor” can include a controller. An “auto-refractor” caninclude a wave front analyzer.

“Near distance refractive error” can include presbyopia and any otherrefractive error needed to be corrected for one to see clearly at neardistance. “Intermediate distance refractive error” can include thedegree of presbyopia needed to be corrected an intermediate distance andany other refractive error needed to be corrected for one to see clearlyat intermediate distance. “Far distance refractive error” can includeany refractive error needed to be corrected for one to see clearly atfar distance. “Near distance” can be from about 6 inches to about 24inches, and more preferably from about 14 inches to about 18 inches.“Intermediate distance” can be from about 24 inches to about 5 feet.“Far distance” can be any distance between about 5 feet and infinity,and more preferably, infinity. “Conventional refractive error” caninclude myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and/or presbyopia.“Non-conventional refractive error” can include irregular astigmatism,aberrations of the ocular system, and any other refractive error notincluded in conventional refractive error. “Optical refractive error”can include any aberrations associated with a lens optic.

In certain embodiments, a “spectacle” can include one lens. In otherembodiments, a “spectacle” can include more than one lens. A“multi-focal” lens can include bifocal, trifocal, quadrafocal, and/orprogressive addition lens. A “finished” lens blank can include a lensblank that has finished optical surface on both sides. A “semi-finished”lens blank can include a lens blank that has, on one side only, afinished optical surface, and on the other side, a non-opticallyfinished surface, the lens needing further modifications, such as, forexample, grinding and/or polishing, to make it into a useable lens.“Surfacing” can include grinding and/or polishing off excess material tofinish a non-finished surface of a semi-finished lens blank.

As used herein, “attachment mechanisms” may include, without limitation,various mechanical, magnetic, electro-magnetic, and other adhesive meanssuitable to attach and/or detach attachable lens units, and the like, toand/or from a base lens unit, spectacle frame etc. In embodiments,various attachment mechanisms may provide for convenient joining of anattachable lens unit to a base lens unit, and may also provide for thedetachment and/or rejoining of the units.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary electro-active spectacle 100 inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention. The electro-activespectacles 100 may include two electro-active lenses 102, 104. Asdiscussed herein, electro-active lenses, such as lenses 102, 104, mayinclude one or more electro-active layers, zones and/or regions.Electro-active lenses, such as lenses 102, 104, may be configured tocorrect for, for example, distance refractive error, intermediatedistance refractive error, far distance refractive error, conventionalrefractive error, non-conventional refractive error, optical refractiveerror, and combinations thereof known to those of skill in the art. Theelectro-active lenses, such as lenses 102, 104, may be any lensescapable of adjusting, changing or tuning a provided optical powerthrough the application of electricity.

It should be understood that, although the electro-active spectacles 100are illustrated as fully rimmed spectacles for simplicity, the inventionis not limited to such specific configurations. For example, spectaclesaccording to aspects of the invention may be fully rimmed, partiallyrimmed or rimless spectacles.

The electro-active spectacles 100 may include a first electronic module112 and a second electronic module 114. The first electronic module 112may include a controller to govern operation of a first electro-activelens 102 and the second electronic module 114 can include a controllerto govern operation of a second electro-active lens 104. Alternatively,the electro-active spectacles 100 can include a single electronic moduleto govern operation of both electro-active lenses 102, 104.Additionally, one or more permanent and/or removable electrical powersource (not shown) may be included in electro-active spectacles 100,such as, for example, removable batteries, inductive charging batteries,etc.

The voltages to create the electric field used in electro-active lensesmay be small, hence, the temples of the frames may be designed to allowfor the insertion and extraction of miniature bulk batteries whichprovide the necessary power. The batteries may be connected to the wirebundles through a multiplexing connection also contained in the frametemples. In another embodiment, conformal thin film batteries may beattached to the surface of the frame temples with an adhesive thatallows them to be removed and replaced when their charge is dissipated.Other embodiments may include an AC, or other, adapter with anattachment to the frame-mounted batteries to allow in situ charging ofeither the bulk or conformal thin-film batteries when not in use. Asdiscussed further below, an electrical power source of the spectacleframe may also be used to power an additional attachable lens device.Therefore, it may be advantageous in certain embodiments to includeelectrical power sources with increased capacity relative to otherelectro-active spectacles.

In order to create the electric field necessary to stimulate theelectro-active lens, voltage may be delivered from the electrical powersource to the electro-active lens. This may be provided by, for example,bundles of small diameter wires contained in the edges of the frames ofthe spectacles 100. The wires may run from an electrical power sourceinto the an electro-active eyewear controller, such as electronicmodules 112, 114, and/or one or more controller components, and to theframe edge surrounding each spectacle lens 102, 104. Wire bondingtechniques, such as those used in semiconductor manufacturing, may beused to link the wires to grid elements in an optical assembly includingthe lenses 102, 104.

As mentioned above, the electro-active spectacles 100, operating alone,may be configured to provide a desired vision correction for a wearer oruser of the electro-active spectacles 100 (e.g., near, intermediateand/or far distance vision correction). By way of further exampleregarding various functions of electro-active lenses, such as lenses102, 104, in certain embodiments, a variable power electro-active fieldmay be located over the entire lens and adjust as a constant sphericalpower change over the entire surface of the lens to accommodate one'sworking near vision focusing needs. In other embodiments a variablepower field may be adjusted over the entire lens as a constant sphericalpower change while at the same time creating an aspherical peripheralpower effect in order to reduce distortion and aberrations. In some ofthe embodiments mentioned above, the distance power may be corrected byway of either a single vision, multifocal finished lens blanks, or amultifocal progressive lens optic. An electro-active optical layer maybe used to correct for working distance focusing, and/or other needs. Itis also possible, in some cases, to utilize either a single vision,multifocal finished lens optic, or multifocal progressive lens optic fordistance spherical power only and correct near vision working power andastigmatism through an electro-active layer or utilize either a singlevision or multifocal lens optic to correct astigmatism only and correctthe sphere power and near vision working power through an electro-activelayer. Also, it is possible to utilize a plano, single vision,multifocal finished lens optic, or progressive multifocal lens optic andcorrect for distance sphere and astigmatism needs by way of anelectro-active layer.

It should also be noted that the power correction needed, whetherprismatic, spherical or aspheric power as well as total distance powerneeds, mid range power needs and near point power needs, can beaccomplished by way of any number of additive power components. Thesemay include the utilization of a single vision, or finished multifocallens, optic providing all the distance spherical power needs, some ofthe distance spherical power needs, all of the astigmatic power needs,some of the astigmatic power needs, all of the prismatic power needs,some of the prismatic power needs, or any combination of the above whencombined with an electro-active layer, will provide for one's totalfocusing needs.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the electro-active spectacles 100 may alsoinclude a first electronic contact 122 and a second electronic contact124. The first electronic contact 122 may be connected to electronicmodule 112 and/or a electrical power source (not shown). Firstelectronic contact 122 may be configured to communicate, for example,data and/or instructions to and from the electronic module 112, and/orto provide electrical power from the electrical power source to anattachable device. The second electronic contact 124 may be connected toelectronic module 114 and/or a electrical power source (not shown), andmay be configured in a similar manner to first electronic contact 122.Alternatively, the electro-active spectacles 100 may include a singleelectronic contact to perform the variously described functions.

Electronic module 112 and/or electronic module 114 may include manualcontrols, such as tactile buttons, switches and the like; automatedcontrols, such as light, motion, and other sensors; and/or may beremotely controllable such as via RF, IR or other remote controltechniques. Such controls may be configured to operate and/or adjust oneor more functions provided by the spectacles 100 and/or an attachablelens unit as described further herein.

It should be noted that, although depicted as disposed on sides of thespectacle lens frames, electrical contacts, such as contacts 122, 124,may be disposed at any location on the spectacles 100 where a connectionmay be formed between the spectacles 100 and an attachable device. Forexample, lead wires, and other mechanisms, may be used to connectcircuitry of the attachable device to other locations on the spectacles100, such as directly to electronic modules 112, 114.

In embodiments, electro-active spectacles, such as spectacles 100, mayinclude attachment mechanisms to facilitate mounting and/or detachingdetachable lens devices to the spectacles. For example, spectacles 100may include magnets in proximity to electrical contacts 122, 124, thatcorrespond to magnets disposed on a detachable lens device. Accordingly,the magnets, and other attachment mechanisms may be used to facilitateelectrical connection between the spectacles and the detachable lensdevice by properly positioning and joining them together. Otherattachment, detachment, and/or joining mechanisms are possible,including, for example, electro-magnetic, mechanical, adhesive, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary add-on or attachable lens device 200,which may be used, for example, in coordination with the electro-activespectacles 100 shown in FIG. 1. The attachable lens device 200 mayinclude an electro-active lens, similar to those discussed above, and/orother features such as, for example, an electronic display, a camera, anactive shuttering lens, an active polarizing lens, an electro-chromaticlens, etc. In some, but not all, cases, attachable lens units, such asattachable lens device 200, may include main lenses with plano opticalpower (no optical power). In embodiments where there are other featuresbuilt in to the attachable lens unit, such as a display or a cameradisposed within the main lens or lenses of the attachable unit, thoseoptical devices may include their own focus lens or lenses as part ofthose specific devices, which may be built into the main lens, oranother lens, of the attachable unit.

The attachable lens device 200 may include a frame front 201 supportingtwo electro-active lenses 212, 214. The attachable lens device 200 canbe attached to, and/or detached from, the front of spectacles 100. Theattachable lens device 200 may include a first connector 222 and asecond connector 224 for attaching to the spectacles 100.

In embodiments, connectors 222, 224 may be configured to attach with acorresponding part of the spectacles, for example, using magnetic,electro-magnetic, mechanical, adhesive and other attachment mechanismsknown in the art. Connectors 222, 224 may also be configured tocommunicate data, instructions and/or power between the attachable lensdevice 200 and the spectacles 100. For example, connectors 222, 224 mayinclude electrical contacts configured to connect with the firstelectronic contact 122 and second electronic contact 124, respectively.Through such connections, the various functions of the attachable lensdevice 200 may be controlled, powered and/or communicated to thespectacles 100. It is also contemplated that, in some embodiments, anattachable lens device may include its own electrical power source, topower features of the attachable lens device and/or to provide power tospectacles.

The attachable lens device 200 may attach over the lenses of thespectacles 100 in a cosmetically appealing and useful manner. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 3, attachable lens device 200 may beconfigured to look similar to, and attach unobtrusively, over the lensesof the spectacles 100. As also shown in FIG. 3, attachment and/orcommunication mechanisms may be discreetly located in the area of thelenses of the device, e.g. corresponding magnetic points 142, 242 and144, 244.

Electro-active lenses, such as lenses 212, 214, may be configured toprovide further functions to an electro-active spectacle system,including spectacles 100 and attachable lens device 200, in response tothe application of electrical power, such as, for example, an electronicdisplay, active shuttering, active polarization, electro-chromatictinting, active magnification, etc. Attachable lens device 200 may alsobe configured with additional features to be used in coordination with,and/or powered by, spectacles 100, such as, for example, a still imagecamera, a video camera, image enhancement, etc.

Once attached to the spectacles 100, the attachable lens device 200 canreceive power from, and/or be controlled by, controls of the spectacles100 to provide, for example, a desired predetermined functionality. Inembodiments, the lenses of attachable lens device 200 may include one ormore lenses that provide no additional optical power or that do notcontribute to the vision correction of a user. For example, theattachable lens device 200 may be configured to provide one or morefunctions that do not necessarily require additional vision correctionof a user, e.g. providing an electronic display, active shuttering suchas used for 3D applications, active polarization for eye protection, 3Dviewing etc., and/or electro-chromatic tinting for eye protection, imageenhancement, aesthetics, etc.

The attachable lens device 200 can be attached in a number of differentways to the spectacles 100. For example, the connection can be mademagnetically and/or mechanically. Once connected to the spectacles 100,the attachable lens device 200 may be electrically coupled via anynumber of electrical contacts to the controlling electronics, e.g.electronics modules 112, 114, of the overall system. Any part of theattachable lens device 200 and the spectacles 100 may include one ormore magnets, or other attachment mechanisms for joining with the othersystem to form a combined system. In various embodiments, an attachmentmechanism may be included on the attachable lens device only, on thespectacles only, or on both the attachable lens device and thespectacles.

The frame front of the attachable lens device 200 may be magnetic, forexample, and may be magnetically coupled or connected to a frame frontof the spectacles 100. The frame front of the attachable lens device 200may also include a mechanical clip or other device to mechanicallycouple the attachable lens device 200 to the spectacles 100. Asdiscussed further below, embodiments of the invention may also includecombining attachment mechanisms with mechanisms for communicating one ormore of data, commands and/or electrical power between a base lens unit,such as spectacles 100, and an attachable lens unit, such as attachablelens device 200.

In embodiments, the mechanism used to attach the attachable lens device200 to the spectacles 100 can also be used to provide a link forpowering and controlling, for example, electro-active lenses of theattachable lens device 200. For example, a mechanical attachment, canprovide an insulated or a non-insulated electrical connection betweenthe attachable lens device 200 and the spectacles 100. Similarly, amagnetic attachment mechanism, such as magnets included in one or moreof contacts 122, 124 and/or connectors 222, 224, can also include one ormore areas near the magnetic coupling that provide electrical couplingbetween the attachable lens device 200 and the spectacles 100.

The attachable lens device 200 may include one or more electroniccontrollers that may be powered and controlled by a base lens unit, suchas the spectacles 100 (e.g., in a master-slave type of control system),or can comprise only electronic control links and can be entirelydependent upon the electronic control devices of a base system. Inembodiments, a base electro-active lens unit of the present inventionmay include all of the necessary hardware (e.g., power supplies andcontrolling electronics/processor(s)) and software (e.g., firmware) foroperating and controlling various functionalities of an attachable lensunit, such as attachable lens device 200. For example, a base lens unit,such as the spectacles 100, may be programmed and/or programmable toprovide control of functions supporting 3D viewing, electronic display,on demand electro-chromatic tinting, image enhancement, activemagnification, etc.

Attachable lens devices, such as attachable lens device 200, may beconfigured to provide a wide range of desired enhanced functionality.According to aspects of the invention, electro-active lens systems asdescribed herein may be configured to operate with different attachablesets of lenses for different desired functionality, and/or can use asame pair of attachable electro-active lenses to provide one or moredesired modes of enhanced functionality. As an example, an attachableelectro-active lens unit can include electro-chromatic lenses, e.g. theelectro-active lenses may be configured to provide tunable opaqueness tooperate as changeable or alterable sunglasses when attached to a baselens unit. The level or darkness provided by the electro-active lensesmay be controlled and/or adjusted by electronics and associated controlsof the base unit, such as spectacles 100. By way of further example,certain functions may be difficult to combine in a single compactattachable device according to the current levels of skill in the art,e.g. thermal vision enhancement and other vision enhancement devices. Inembodiments, a base unit, such as spectacles 100, may be reconfigurableto support the addition of various functions into attachable devicesover the course of time and evolution of related technologies.

As mentioned above, in addition to vision correction, an electro-activelayer may also be configured to give a spectacle lens anelectro-chromatic tint or shading. As used herein, electro-chromaticfeatures may include and/or be provided by, for example only,electro-chromic, electronic tints, liquid crystal changeable tints,and/or dynamic tunable tints. For example, by applying a voltage to anappropriate gel polymer or liquid crystal layer, a tint or sunglasseffect can be imparted to the lens, which may alter the lighttransmission through the lens. A reduced light intensity, or otherchromatic change, may be used to give a “sunglass” or tint effect to thelens for the comfort of the user in bright, outdoor environment, or inother circumstances where a certain tint may be useful, e.g. low lightconditions, or even aesthetically desirable. Liquid crystal compositionsand gel polymers with high polarizability in response to an appliedelectric field are examples of suitable compositions for suchapplications.

Further details regarding an exemplary lens system, including amechanical connection, are shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, anattachable lens unit 410 may include an electro-active lens 414 and aphysical connector component 412 that is configured to join with acorresponding connector component 422 in spectacle frame 420. Forexample, connector component 412 may include a Standard, Mini, or MicroUSB plug to fit with a corresponding USB socket in spectacle frame 420.The mating of the physical connectors may physically secure theattachable lens unit 410 to the spectacle frame 420, as well as allowfor the communication of data, instructions and/or power between theattachable lens unit 410 and the spectacle frame 420.

As also shown in FIG. 4, spectacle frame 420 may include a tactilecontrol 432 for controlling various electro-active functions of theattachable lens unit 410 via the connector components 412, 422.Spectacle frame 420 may also include an electro-active lens 424 and anelectrical power source 442, which may be a removable and/orrechargeable battery.

Further details regarding yet another exemplary lens system, such as maybe used in goggles and other types of differently shaped eyewear, areshown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, an attachable lens unit 510 may beconfigured to cover and/or be used with a variety of eyewear ofdifferent shapes or sizes. For example, attachable lens unit 510 may bedimensioned to fit around an average spectacle size. Attachable lensunit 510 may include an electro-active lens 512 and a wiredcommunication component 514 that is configured to join with acorresponding connector component 522 in eyewear frame 520. For example,connector component 514 may include a Standard, Mini, or Micro USB plugto fit with a corresponding USB socket in spectacle frame 520. Becausecommunication component 514 has a length of wire attached thereto, itmay be used to connect electronics, such as an electro-active lens, ofattachable lens unit 510 to a variety of differently sized spectacles orother eyewear. Alternatively, attachable lens unit 510 may include awireless receiver for receiving control signals and/or exchanging datawith, a base lens unit, such as eyewear frame 520.

As also shown in FIG. 5, attachable lens unit 510 may include a camera516 for taking pictures and/or videos of images that a user is lookingat. Control signals for the camera 516 may be communicated to theattachable lens unit 510 via wired communication component 514 or othercommunication devices known in the art. Likewise, data signals from thecamera 516 may be communicated to eyewear frame 520 via wiredcommunication component 514 or other communication devices known in theart.

By way of further example, attachable electro-active lenses, such as maybe used in attachable lens unit 510, or others described herein, may beconfigured to provide and/or support 3D viewing capability, e.g. byproviding active shuttering, active polarization, active tinting and thelike. In embodiments, attachable lens devices may be configured todetect a 3D projection, and/or a type of 3D projection, e.g. via camera516, or other sensor included in the attachable lens device. Suchdetecting may be accomplished through, for example, detecting thepresence of predetermined cycles of light, contrasting polarization,tint, etc. In embodiments, a 3D viewing support function may be providedand/or adjusted based on the detected 3D projection.

For example, if an active-shuttering 3D projection is detected, anactive shuttering function may be provided, whereas, if a polarizedprojection is detected, an active polarization function may be provided.It should be noted that, the manufacture and design of various 3Dlenses, including, for example, 3D shutter lenses, 3D static lenses,etc., as well as camera devices, display devices, polarized devices,electronic tinted lenses, etc. are known in the art and are not,therefore, described in extensive detail herein.

Further, as an additional example, the attachable lens devices, such asattachable lens device 200 and the like, may be configured to provideprojection capabilities to allow, for example, a user to view aprojected image (e.g., an e-mail, IM, or video-chat screen etc.) whilesimultaneously looking through the lens system. The attachable lensdevice 200 or the spectacles 100 may include capabilities to interactwith a remote computer (e.g., through a wireless link) to providecommand and control of conventional computer functions throughinteraction with the combined lens system of the present invention. Theattachable electro-active lenses 200 can also include a miniaturizedcamera to provide the capability to capture and store digital video orstill images.

Aspects of the present invention also enable the base lens unit, such aseyewear frame 520 to provide hearing aid capability and/or to provideradio communication capability (e.g., a wireless link to one or moreremote computers or ability to receive AM/FM signals). For example, anelectrical power source included in the base lens unit, e.g. eyewearframe 520, may be used to power internal or external soundamplification, and/or speakers 526, used to assist the hearing of thewearer of the base lens unit. Such configurations may be less obtrusivethan other external hearing devices, provide convenient bi-auralamplification, and capitalize on the ability to include more robustelectrical power sources and discreet circuitry in the eyewear frame520. Likewise, eyewear frame 520 may include various radio receptioncircuitry to detect and process AM, FM, or other home network signals(e.g. home audio networks). The audio of such signals may be output byvarious means, including, for example, speakers (e.g. speakers 526) orexternal audio connection.

In certain cases the controller, and/or one or more controllercomponents, as described herein, can be part of the pre-manufacturedframe and electro-active lens assembly and then programmed at either theeyecare professional's site or some other site. The controller, and/orone or more controller components, can be in the form, for example, of achip or a thin film and can be housed in the frame, on the frame, in thelens, or on the lens of the eyeglasses. The controller, and/or one ormore controller components, can be re-programmable or notre-programmable based upon the business strategy to be implemented. Inthe case where the controller, and/or one or more controller components,is re-programmable, this will allow for the use of various attachablelens units, as well as repeated updating of one's prescriptions, as longas the patient or customer is happy with his or her eyeglass frames aswell as the cosmetic appearance and functionality of the electro-activelenses.

In one exemplary embodiment, a controller, and/or one or more controllercomponents, may be fabricated and/or programmed with knowledge of theuser's vision correction requirements, and allow the user to easilyswitch between different arrays of pre-determined voltages tailored forhis or her individual vision requirements. The electro-active eyewearcontroller, and/or one or more controller components, may be easilyremovable and/or programmable by the vision care specialist ortechnician and replaced and/or reprogrammed with a new “prescription”controller when the user's vision correction requirements change.

In any event, it is not necessary for the switch to be on the spectaclesthemselves. In another exemplary embodiment, the switch is in a separatemodule, possibly in a pocket in the user's clothing, and is activatedmanually. The switch could be connected to the spectacles with a thinwire or optical fiber. Another version of the switch may include a smallmicrowave, radio-frequency, or IR short-range transmitter which sends asignal regarding switch position and/or activation to a receiver antennamounted on the spectacle frames. In both of these switch configurations,the user may be provided with direct but discreet control over functionsof the spectacles, such as the focal length variation of theelectro-active spectacle lenses, as well as the attachable lens unit,such as camera, tinting and other functions.

The description given above is merely illustrative and is not meant tobe an exhaustive list of all possible embodiments, applications ormodifications of the invention. Thus, various modifications andvariations of the described methods and systems of the invention will beapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been describedin connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood thatthe invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specificembodiments.

1. An spectacle system comprising: a base lens unit including a firstlens, a frame configured for wearing the base lens unit on a user, and afirst attachment mechanism; and an attachable lens unit including asecond lens and a second attachment mechanism configured to join withthe first attachment mechanism; and a communication mechanism configuredto communicate at least one of data, instructions and electrical powerbetween the base lens unit and the attachable lens unit, wherein, atleast one of the first lens and the second lens includes anelectro-active lens.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein: the first lensincludes an electro-active lens; the base lens unit further includes anelectrical power source; and the communication mechanism is configuredto provide electrical power from the base lens unit to the attachablelens unit.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the second lens includes anelectro-active lens, and the communication mechanism is configured toprovide electrical power from the base lens unit to the attachable lensunit.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein: the second lens includes atleast one of an electronic display, a camera, an active shuttering lens,and an active polarizing lens; and the communication mechanism isconfigured to provide instructions and electrical power from the baselens unit to the attachable lens unit.
 5. The device of claim 1, whereinthe second lens includes an electro-chromatic lens, and thecommunication mechanism is configured to provide electrical power fromthe base lens unit to the attachable lens unit.
 6. The device of claim1, wherein at least one of the base lens unit and the attachable lensunit are configured to communicate with a remote computer system.
 7. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the communication mechanism includes at leastone of a Standard, Mini, and Micro USB plug.
 8. The device of claim 1,wherein first attachment mechanism joins with the second attachmentmechanism via a magnet, and the communication mechanism is configured tocommunicate electrical power between the base lens unit and theattachable lens unit via an electrical contact joined by the magnet. 9.The device of claim 1, the base lens unit is configured to provide theuser with at least one of a hearing aid capability and a radiocommunication capability.
 10. An attachable lens device comprising: anelectro-active lens; an attachment mechanism configured to join theattachable lens device to a base lens unit; and a communicationmechanism configured to communicate at least one of data, instructionsand electrical power between the attachable lens device and the baselens unit.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the communicationmechanism is configured to receive electrical power from the base lensunit.
 12. The device of claim 10, further comprising at least one of anelectronic display, a camera, an active shuttering lens, and an activepolarizing lens, wherein the communication mechanism is configured toreceive instructions and electrical power from the base lens unit. 13.The device of claim 10, wherein the electro-active lens includes anelectro-chromatic lens, and the communication mechanism is configured toreceive electrical power from the base lens unit to the attachable lensdevice.
 14. The device of claim 10, further comprising a microprocessorconfigured to communicate with a remote computer system.
 15. The deviceof claim 10, wherein the communication mechanism includes at least oneof a Standard, Mini, and Micro USB plug.
 16. The device of claim 10,wherein the attachment mechanism joins with the base lens unit via amagnet, and the communication mechanism is configured to communicateelectrical power between the base lens unit and the attachable lensdevice via an electrical contact joined by the magnet.
 17. The device ofclaim 10, further comprising a camera, wherein the communicationmechanism is configured to communicate image data from the attachablelens device to the base lens unit.
 18. The device of claim 10, furthercomprising: at least one of an electronic display, a camera, an activeshuttering lens, and an active polarizing lens, wherein thecommunication mechanism is configured to receive instructions for the atleast one of an electronic display, a camera, an active shuttering lens,and an active polarizing lens from the base lens unit.
 19. An spectacleframe device comprising: a base lens attachment mechanism configured tohold a first lens; a removable lens attachment mechanism configured toremovably join a removable lens unit including a second lens to thespectacle frame device; and a communication mechanism configured tocommunicate at least one of data, instructions and electrical powerbetween the spectacle frame device and the attachable lens unit.
 20. Thedevice of claim 20, further comprising an electrical power source,wherein the communication mechanism is configured to provide electricalpower from the spectacle frame device to the attachable lens unit. 21.The device of claim 20, further comprising a control device, wherein thecommunication mechanism is further configured to provide instructionsfrom the spectacle frame device to the attachable lens unit.
 22. Thedevice of claim 21, wherein the communication mechanism is furtherconfigured to receive data from the attachable lens unit.
 23. The deviceof claim 19, further comprising a control device, wherein thecommunication mechanism is configured to provide instructions from thespectacle frame device to the attachable lens unit.
 24. The device ofclaim 19, further comprising an electrical power source, wherein thefirst lens is an electro-active lens powered by the electrical powersource.
 25. The device of claim 19, further comprising an electricalpower source, wherein the second lens is an electro-active lens poweredby the electrical power source.